Technology

RECOMMENDED TECHNOLOGY

Do I have to have a personal computer?

No, we don’t require students to have a personal computer, because Averett has many campus computer labs that are available for student use; however, most students choose to have their own computer in their dorm room.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop?

Since there are advantages and disadvantages to both laptops and desktops, the choice depends on your individual wants and needs. Laptops are normally more expensive, but they allow you to be mobile and use wireless internet in the Blount Library or the Student Center. However, for the same price you can usually get a much faster desktop computer. Desktops computers are also easily upgradeable.

Operating System

We currently use the Microsoft XP Professional operating system on campus and Microsoft Office applications. We recommend, if possible, using compatible software for easy transfer of your files from your personal computer to the computers in the labs. Also, if something happens to your personal computer, you can easily use any computer lab on campus.

However, choose the operating system you are most comfortable using. If you have experience with Windows, then buy a Windows machine. If you have more experience with the MacOS, feel free to buy an Apple computer.

Software Recommendations

The major software applications used on campus include Microsoft Office applications, Mozilla Firefox, Norton Antivirus or AVG, and Ad-Aware. Some of the applications are free (http://web2.averett.edu/compcenter/downloads.html), others you will have to purchase separately from other sources (like Microsoft Office or Norton Anti-Virus).

Maintenance

Even though Averett University IT Department helps students with software problems, we do not perform hardware repair; therefore, it is recommended to have a 3 year repair warranty for your personal computer.

Hardware Recommendations

Pretty much any new computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers (Lenovo, Dell, Gateway, etc.) should be adequate for basic student use on campus. If you have any special needs, then you'll want to make sure that you purchase a faster system.

Buy a Computer or Software with an educational discount

If you intend to connect your computer to the internet in the dorms/apartments, you’ll need to purchase a computer that has an Ethernet card and an Ethernet cable.

Our recommendations for Windows machines:

	If buying a new computer	Existing Computers
Memory (RAM):	1GB - 2GB	512MB
Processor:	1.5 GHz or higher	Pentium 4
Hard drive:	80 GB (minimum), 120 GB (recommended) or more	30GB
Wireless card (optional - if you want to access wireless internet in the library and the student center)	802.11 b/g wireless &	802.11 a/g wireless &
Network card:	10/100 Ethernet card and a CAT5 Ethernet cable	10/100 Ethernet card and a CAT5 Ethernet cablele
Operating system:	Windows XP Pro or Vista	Windows ME, 2000, XP, or Vista
Video Adaptor	128 MB RAM (minimum), 256 MB recommended, full DirectX 9 support	16MB RAM (desktop); 8MB RAM (minimum) 16MB recommended (laptop)
Sound	Audio card w/ speakers and/or headphones	Audio card w/ speakers and/or headphones
CD-RW/DVD	Required	CD-ROM required

It is also recommended that you have a USB Memory Stick (Flash Drive) for easy transferring of files from a personal computer to classroom/lab computers.

Specs updated May 30, 2007